Bridging the gap between team members with everyone in different locations can be a logistical, emotional and project management challenge. But of all the problems that can arise, one seems to rise to the top – way above all the others.
This problem is one that you’ve probably been chewing on for some time. How can you find out what your team members are REALLY thinking?
Should you be more accessible so people will tell you what’s on your mind? Or should you set stricter boundaries so team members become self-reliant?
During virtual meetings you get some information – but is it enough?
Yes, during your team conferences it’s easy to get individual input. With instant messaging participants communicate directly to you. And polling options most online services provide are another great tool for a ’show of hands.’
But nothing comes even close to the gut feelings staff members share at the water cooler, in the hallway or in the parking lot.
So, what can you do to get the low-down from your team? How can you keep in touch with how your team is really feeling? If you don’t, you know your team results will lag in obvious and dangerous ways. Your urgent deadlines could be overshot, projects can expand in scope and budgets never get met. It’s a nightmare waiting to happen.
How to take a team pulse check
One of the fastest ways to get a pulse on the hot buttons, tough issues, and true perspectives of your team is to make yourself available.
The most successful managers and leaders invite input – both privately and publicly. While some employees will speak up in a group setting, others will prefer the confidentiality of private meetings.
Create the opportunity to meet. Post your one-on-one times just as professors do at universities. Think of it as your team ‘office hours.’
Everyone on the team will appreciate knowing that your ‘door is always open.’ And that takes patience, practice and a persistent commitment on your part.
If you say you want feedback, you better mean it. You can expect impromptu meetings to come at the oddest and sometimes most challenging times. When your husband or wife is waiting for you to pick up take-out on the way home. When your kids need to be picked up from soccer practice. And when you are heading out the door for that run you desperately need – to clear your brain.
When you commit to being an accessible leader of your virtual team, it helps to follow these strategies:
Tip 1 – Define office hours. Be available for ‘drop ins’ as well as scheduled appointments.
Tip 2 – Vary your office hours to be equally accessible to team members in different time zones. It’s not fair to everyone if these times are only convenient for people in one time zone.
Tip 3 – Keep strict agreements for confidentiality. If you break your promise with one team member, no one else will trust you. Critical issues will escalate because people are unwilling to come forward.
Balance availability with structure. Organize your time to listen to problems and help steer your team towards high performance.
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